Matthew Inman Open Studio, the Biggest Caroling Contest and Other Weekend Musts

MUST FREMONTAn Especially Festive Artwalk Friday (12/7) — Three fun reasons to visit Fremont this week: The annual Lenin statue lighting (in lieu of a tree); a holiday arts and crafts bazaar; and Matthew Inman, the man behind The Oatmeal, who’s hosting a special open studio sale where you can get a book signed or pick up some Oatmeal merchandise—perfect gifts for any cat or Star Wars lover. 12/7, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Various locations; fremontfirstfriday.blogspot.com; Details on Matthew Inman’s studio sale info at theoatmeal.com

MUST TASTEShanik is Open!The new and much-anticipated Indian food destination, owned by the same team behind Vij’s in Vancouver, opened in South Lake Union yesterday. Allison Austin Scheff has the details. In addition to serving dinner, the restaurant plans to have will have a casual takeout area and a market stocked with hard-to-find ingredients for the home chef, including ready-to-eat curries. There’s one catch: Shanik does not take reservations (and has a reputation for long lines). We hope the wait is worth it! Read our profile of owner Meeru Dhalwala and find out why she picked Seattle as her only American location.South Lake Union, 500 Terry Ave. N; shanikrestaurant.com

MUST SEELoss MachineOngoing (12/5–12/10) — Seattle has a weird yet wonderful wealth of talented puppeteers, and Seattle mag Spotlight Award winner Kyle Loven is one of the best. Catch his newest piece about an intricately crafted world of lost items. Note: these puppets aren’t necessarily for kids.8 p.m. $20. On the Boards, 100 W Roy; 206.217.9888; ontheboards.org

MUST WASSAILGreat Figgy Pudding St. Corner Caroling Contest Friday (12/7) – An age-old holiday tradition meets The Voice in this longtime, beloved Seattle event benefitting Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Watch over forty caroling teams participate in a lively singing competition on the streets of downtown Seattle in which groups try to raise as much money (busker-style) or votes from the public as possible. Teams are made up of diverse groups—union workers, school choirs, Starbucks baristas—singing classics and original remakes. Head downtown with a few spare dollars ready to donate. Scrooge himself couldn’t help but be charmed by this heartwarming ruckus. Watch a preview from a previous year’s competition below.12/7, 5pm-8:30pm. Free. Westlake Center and Pine Street between 3rd and 7th Avenues; pikemarketseniorcenter.org/figgy-pudding

MUST DECK THE HALLSArboretum Holiday Sale Starts Friday (12/7–12/8) — Buy sustainably and locally when you shop Gifts & Greens Galore, the annual fundraiser for the Arboretum Foundation. In addition to picking out fresh harvested greens for your eco-friendly holiday wreaths, swags and garlands, you can also find nature and gardening books and other gifts for the green thumb on your list. Have no idea what a swag is? Experts will be on-site demonstrating how to make cool holiday centerpieces, including the ever-trendy tabletop terrarium.12/7, 12 p.m. -5 p.m.; 12/8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Graham Visitors Center; arboretumfoundation.org

Pump the brakes! Before you head to that big box store, check out our locally focused Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve got awesome ideas for everyone on your list, including your pets.